A Chapter Closes

The first of many goodbyes . . .
Last weekend we went up to our camper with friends . . . it was going to be our last time there because we sold it since we won’t be taking it with us when we move to New Mexico.  It didn’t really hit me until Sunday when I began clearing out the things we would take and organizing the items I would be leaving for the next owner.  Everything I touched seemed to have a memory . . . I just kept thinking if only these walls could talk.  So many memories . . . such great times . . .times spent with family and friends . . . It was always such a special get away . . .
As I locked the door for the last time, my dear friend looked at me and said “ are you sad” . . . are you ok?  I  hugged her and said “it just hit me that this is just the first of many goodbyes . . .

Next stop Rhodes . . .

Rhodes one of our favorite islands . . . with its crystal clear sea . . . we decided to have an R&R day to enjoy it!  When you approach Rhodes you see the Medieval City towering over the harbor . . . an amazing site!

Medieval City with its towers, bastions and battlements . . . very impressive.

 

The view as you disembark the ship!

The perfect place to reflect on the natural beauty of this wonderful island!

Memories From Turkey

Kusadasi Turkey . . .

We visited the ancient city of Ephesus . . . considered the greatest city in Asia Minor during the Roman Empire. Absolutely amazing!

The Library of Celsus

 

Great Theatre . . . still noted for its remarkable acoustics

We learned that the government of Turkey was worried that the art of rug making was becoming a dying craft.  They decided to offer young girls the opportunity to learn the craft for free as well as offering them free medical insurance!  They took us the journey of a rug from start to finish . . . and what a journey it was!

The silk worms shell "bathed" to soften the strands of silk.

 

Just a small sample of the gorgeous rugs!

Beautiful Mykonos . . .

Glistening white buildings set against the beautiful sea!  Cafes, bars and shops . . . treasures on this quaint 
island . . . one of my favorites!

Our first close sight of Mykonos!

Fishing boat . . .

Making our way through the narrow streets . . .

Beautiful handmade items just waiting to be purchased . . .

Goodby beautiful Mykonos!

Memories of Greece #2

The Plaka Area . . . cobblestone walkways, narrow streets, zigzag stairs, home to shops, bakeries, and tavernas (small cafes). Most streets are free of cars so you can walk and take in “old time Athens”. . . This is the place to go eat, drink and listen to Bouzoukia . . .Greek music . . . you can even dance!

 
 

Plaka at night!

Syntagma Area or Constitution Square . . . This is considered the center area of Athens.  A huge plaza where you may see street entertainers, outdoor cafes, as well as the metro station.  The square faces the Parliament, where the “Tomb of the Unknown  Soldier” is located. It’s guarded day and night by two soldiers called “evzones” . . . dressed in traditional skirted uniforms .  Each hour on the hour the changing of the guards occurs and it is amazing to see!  The one soldier that assists in the ceremony and the only one that is allowed to speak told us there are two very important rules in order to become a guard . . . one must be tall and handsome . . . we told him they all fit the bill ;-)
Behind the Parliment is the Olympic Stadium which hosted the first modern Olympic Games!

The guard that could talk to us . . .with our two lovelies!

Quite the "show"

Getting ready to change the guards.